Newman Prompts

Peer observation is a proven strategy for increasing your effectiveness as a teacher. Research has shown that focused, specific, data-rich feedback and collegial conversations lead to real improvement in practice.

Each App in this suite is designed to give teachers feedback on one element of their practice. By inviting a colleague to observe your work with students, you'll be able to assess whether you're fully utilising the Newman prompts when individually supporting students with their work.

Newman prompts: Coded matrix

What this App measures
The App records in a coded matrix format which of the Newman prompts a teacher uses when working with an individual child.

Why that matters
The Newman prompts have proved to be an effective diagnostic tool for teachers to analyse where students are making errors in attempting to solve written problems. See more on the video.

What you need to know to use this App effectively
The App is based on the prompts developed by Australian educator Anne Newman. Effective use of the App requires familiarity with that work. A google search will readily reveal the applications of the concept and the research supporting it. See more on the video.

What does the data show
The App collects data on the teacher actions, and is not designed as a diagnostic tool for the students’ work. It provides a ready-reckoner for the teacher whether they are covering all of the five prompts in the Newman approach.

How the data can be used in teacher coaching
Newman prompts have been used widely in primary settings (5-12 years) but also have wide applicability in secondary settings (13-18 years).
To be effective all five prompts must be utilised so that the diagnosis of the student error is accurate. After observation, the coach can work with a colleague to develop strategies to remember and use all Newman prompts and/or to refine the wording of questions to gather better information from the student.
It is likely that the coaching will also include sharing teaching strategies, to explicitly teach the skills that will enable students to improve their problem solving ability.